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In this module, we explore the core principles of oncological surgery, focusing on accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and effective tumour resection. Margin selection, staging, pathology interpretation, and adjunct therapies influence outcomes, while recognising species- and tumour-specific considerations and when specialist referral is required.

Anaesthesia in Veterinary Oncology: The Effects of Surgery, Volatile and Intravenous Anaesthetics on the Immune System and Tumour Spread

Ana Vidal Pinheiro (et al)

Optical coherence tomography for surgical margin evaluation of excised canine cutaneous and subcutaneous tumours

Scar revision for incompletely or narrowly excised soft tissue sarcomas in dogs

Edward Cheng (et al)

Janet A. Grimes (et al)

The effectiveness of using dye models for small tissue biopsies in the surgical pathology laboratory

Predaporn Nonsiri (et al)

Gerry Polton (et al)

Melanoma of the dog and cat: consensus and guidelines

In this module, we explore the core principles of oncological surgery, focusing on accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and effective tumour resection. Margin selection, staging, pathology interpretation, and adjunct therapies influence outcomes, while recognising species- and tumour-specific considerations and when specialist referral is required.

Efficacy of systemic adjuvant therapies administered to dogs after excision of oral malignant melanomas: 151 cases (2001–2012)

Outcome following curative-intent surgery for oral melanoma in dogs: 70 cases (1998–2011)

Sarah E. Boston (et al)

Joanne L. Tuohy (et al)

Radical excision with five-centimeter margins for treatment of feline injection-site sarcomas: 91 cases (1998–2002)

Holly A. Phelps (et al)

Mast Cell Tumors in Cats - Clinical update and possible new treatment avenues

Carolyn Henry (et al)

Laura E. Selmic (et al)

A systematic review of surgical margins utilized for removal of cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs

In this module, we explore the core principles of oncological surgery, focusing on accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and effective tumour resection. Margin selection, staging, pathology interpretation, and adjunct therapies influence outcomes, while recognising species- and tumour-specific considerations and when specialist referral is required.

Canine Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumour: Characterisation and Prognostic Indices

Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma: Matrix Remodelling and Prognosis

J. J. Thompson (et al)

I. Porcellato (et al)

Histologic Grading of Canine Mast Cell Tumor: Is 2 Better Than 3?

S. Sabattini (et al)

Histiocytic Sarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma Update

Christine Mullin (et al)

A. Matsuyama (et al)

Impact of surgical margins on survival of 37 dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma

In this module, we explore the core principles of oncological surgery, focusing on accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and effective tumour resection. Margin selection, staging, pathology interpretation, and adjunct therapies influence outcomes, while recognising species- and tumour-specific considerations and when specialist referral is required.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the Dog – Part 1: A Current Review

Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of feline splenic mast cell tumours: A multi-institutional retrospective study of 64 cases

J. P. Bray

B. J. Evans (et al)

Prognostic Factors for Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs

M. M. Dennis (et al)

Urologic Oncology

Kristine Elaine Burgess (et al)

Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of feline splenic mast cell tumours: A multi-institutional retrospective study of 64 cases

B. J. Evans (et al)

Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of feline splenic mast cell tumours: A multi-institutional retrospective study of 64 cases

B. J. Evans (et al)

Veterinary and Comparative Oncology

Synopsis

Splenectomy is the treatment of choice for feline splenic mast cell tumors, significantly prolonging survival (856 vs. 342 days). This study of 64 cats found no additional benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy and identified no significant prognostic factors influencing clinical outcomes.

Publication date:

2017

Pages:

13

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Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma: Matrix Remodelling and Prognosis

I. Porcellato (et al)

Veterinary Pathology

I. Porcellato (et al)

Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma: Matrix Remodelling and Prognosis

Synopsis

This study on feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) found that immunohistochemical markers such as MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 do not reliably predict clinical outcomes despite their role in tumour invasiveness. Instead, tumour size (exceeding 3.75 cm) and mitotic count (over 20 mitoses per 10 high-power fields) emerged as the most significant indicators of recurrence and survival. These findings suggest that traditional metrics of tumour dimensions and cellular proliferation remain the most effective tools for assessing prognosis in cats with FISS.

Publication date:

2017

Pages:

16

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Canine Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumour: Characterisation and Prognostic Indices

J. J. Thompson (et al)

Veterinary Pathology

J. J. Thompson (et al)

Canine Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumour: Characterisation and Prognostic Indices

Synopsis

This study of 306 dogs reveals that canine subcutaneous mast cell tumours carry a highly favourable prognosis, with low rates of recurrence and metastasis even following incomplete surgical excision. The mitotic index (MI) is the primary prognostic indicator, as an MI greater than four significantly correlates with reduced survival. These findings suggest that subcutaneous tumours should be evaluated independently from cutaneous variants, as they typically exhibit less aggressive biological behaviour and prolonged survival times.

Publication date:

01/2011

Pages:

09

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Histiocytic Sarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma Update

Christine Mullin, Craig A. Clifford

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice

Christine Mullin (et al)

Histiocytic Sarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma Update

Synopsis

This update examines histiocytic sarcoma and hemangiosarcoma, focusing on breed predispositions and current treatments. While multimodal therapy has significantly improved survival for localized histiocytic sarcoma, visceral hemangiosarcoma remains highly aggressive and typically fatal, highlighting the ongoing clinical challenge of managing these metastatic malignancies.

Publication date:

2019

Pages:

22

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Melanoma of the dog and cat: consensus and guidelines

Gerry Polton (et al)

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Gerry Polton (et al)

Melanoma of the dog and cat: consensus and guidelines

Synopsis

These guidelines consolidate current knowledge on canine and feline melanoma, recommending wide surgical resection as the primary treatment, often integrated with radiotherapy and immunotherapy to improve survival and quality of life.

Publication date:

05/04/2024

Pages:

14

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Impact of surgical margins on survival of 37 dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma

A. Matsuyama (et al)

A. Matsuyama (et al)

New Zealand Veterinary Journal

Impact of surgical margins on survival of 37 dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma

Synopsis

In dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma, complete surgical resection significantly improves both progression-free and overall survival compared to incomplete excision. While complete margins are ideal for long-term prognosis, dogs with incomplete margins still maintain a median survival of over two years but require diligent monitoring for local recurrence.

Publication date:

26/04/2017

Pages:

09

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Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the Dog – Part 1: A Current Review

J. P. Bray

Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP)

J. P. Bray

Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the Dog – Part 1: A Current Review

Synopsis

Canine soft tissue sarcomas are common mesenchymal tumors where histological grade serves as the primary prognostic indicator. While wide surgical margins remain the traditional standard, this review highlights that treatment is increasingly tailored based on tumor aggressiveness, as complete resection is essential for preventing local recurrence and managing the higher metastatic risk associated with high-grade cases.

Publication date:

2016

Pages:

25

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Prognostic Factors for Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs

M. M. Dennis (et al)

Veterinary Pathology (ACVP / ECVP / JCVP; SAGE Publications)

M. M. Dennis (et al)

Prognostic Factors for Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs

Synopsis

Histologic grade and surgical margin completeness are the primary prognostic indicators for canine soft tissue sarcomas, with a high mitotic index significantly correlating with reduced survival. While most cases have a favorable prognosis following excision, grade III tumors carry the highest risk of metastasis, necessitating standardized classification and rigorous research to improve clinical outcomes.

Publication date:

01/2011

Pages:

10

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Urologic Oncology

Kristine Elaine Burgess, Carol J. DeRegis

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice

Kristine Elaine Burgess (et al)

Synopsis

Urologic Oncology

This review addresses the diagnosis and management of rare primary renal tumors and more common transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) in dogs and cats. It highlights the prognostic importance of the mitotic index in renal cell carcinoma and underscores a multimodal treatment strategy for TCC, incorporating advanced diagnostics like BRAF mutation testing, COX-2 inhibitors, and palliative interventional surgery to manage urinary obstructions.

Publication date:

02/2023

Pages:

10

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Optical coherence tomography for surgical margin evaluation of excised canine cutaneous and subcutaneous tumours

Edward Cheng (et al)

Optical coherence tomography for surgical margin evaluation of excised canine cutaneous and subcutaneous tumours

Edward Cheng (et al)

Veterinary and Comparative Oncology

Synopsis

This study demonstrates that optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a highly effective tool for real-time surgical margin evaluation in canine skin tumors, achieving a median sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 84.6% in detecting incomplete margins compared to histopathology.

Publication date:

01/06/2022

Pages:

10

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Radical excision with five-centimeter margins for treatment of feline injection-site sarcomas: 91 cases (1998–2002)

Holly A. Phelps (et al)

Holly A. Phelps (et al)

Radical excision with five-centimeter margins for treatment of feline injection-site sarcomas: 91 cases (1998–2002)

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)

Synopsis

This study demonstrates that radical excision with five-centimeter margins significantly improves survival times (901-day median) and reduces local recurrence rates (14%) for feline injection-site sarcomas compared to traditional surgical approaches.

Publication date:

01/07/2011

Pages:

10

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Histologic Grading of Canine Mast Cell Tumor: Is 2 Better Than 3?

S. Sabattini, F. Scarpa, D. Berlato, Bettini

Veterinary Pathology

S. Sabattini (et al)

Histologic Grading of Canine Mast Cell Tumor: Is 2 Better Than 3?

Synopsis

This study demonstrates that the Kiupel 2-tier system is superior to the Patnaik 3-tier system for predicting survival in canine mast cell tumors. By identifying high-risk cases within the ambiguous Patnaik grade II category, the 2-tier system provides better prognostic clarity and more effective guidance for clinical management.

Publication date:

01/2015

Pages:

04

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A systematic review of surgical margins utilized for removal of cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs

Laura E. Selmic, Audrey Ruple

Laura E. Selmic (et al)

BMC Veterinary Research

A systematic review of surgical margins utilized for removal of cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs

Synopsis

This systematic review suggests that 2 cm lateral margins and one fascial plane deep provide effective local control for Patnaik grade I and II canine mast cell tumors smaller than 4 cm, resulting in low rates of recurrence and incomplete excision.

Publication date:

2020

Pages:

06

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Efficacy of systemic adjuvant therapies administered to dogs after excision of oral malignant melanomas: 151 cases (2001–2012)

Sarah E. Boston (et al)

Sarah E. Boston (et al)

Efficacy of systemic adjuvant therapies administered to dogs after excision of oral malignant melanomas: 151 cases (2001–2012)

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)

Synopsis

This retrospective study of 151 dogs with oral malignant melanoma found an overall median survival time of 346 days, identifies tumor size, age, and complete surgical excision as key prognostic factors. Crucially, the analysis revealed no significant survival benefit from systemic adjuvant therapies, such as chemotherapy or vaccination, when compared to surgery alone, highlighting the paramount importance of local surgical control.

Publication date:

15/08/2014

Pages:

07

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The effectiveness of using dye models for small tissue biopsies in the surgical pathology laboratory

Predaporn Nonsiri (et al)

Predaporn Nonsiri (et al)

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

The effectiveness of using dye models for small tissue biopsies in the surgical pathology laboratory

Synopsis

This study identifies hematoxylin as an ideal, non-toxic tissue marking dye that significantly improves the visibility of small biopsies (0.2–0.3 cm) during laboratory processing without interfering with pathological diagnosis.

Publication date:

12/06/2023

Pages:

07

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Anaesthesia in Veterinary Oncology: The Effects of Surgery, Volatile and Intravenous Anaesthetics on the Immune System and Tumour Spread

Ana Vidal Pinheiro (et al)

Anaesthesia in Veterinary Oncology: The Effects of Surgery, Volatile and Intravenous Anaesthetics on the Immune System and Tumour Spread

Ana Vidal Pinheiro (et al)

University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Synopsis

This review suggests that while surgical stress and volatile anaesthetics suppress immunity and may promote metastasis, propofol displays immunoprotective properties. Consequently, Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) combined with regional analgesia is recommended to minimise disease recurrence in veterinary oncology.

Publication date:

01/11/2023

Pages:

17

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Outcome following curative-intent surgery for oral melanoma in dogs: 70 cases (1998–2011)

Joanne L. Tuohy (et al)

Joanne L. Tuohy (et al)

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)

Outcome following curative-intent surgery for oral melanoma in dogs: 70 cases (1998–2011)

Synopsis

This retrospective study of 70 dogs with oral melanoma shows that curative-intent surgery yields a median survival of 723 days. While metastasis and large tumor size reduce survival times, thorough local surgical control remains the cornerstone for achieving long-term outcomes.

Publication date:

11/12/2024

Pages:

08

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MAST CELL TUMORS IN CATS - Clinical update and possible new treatment avenues

Carolyn Henry, Chamisa Herrera

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

Carolyn Henry (et al)

Mast Cell Tumors in Cats - Clinical update and possible new treatment avenues

Synopsis

This review summarizes feline mast cell tumor management, highlighting that while cutaneous lesions typically carry a good prognosis after surgery, visceral forms require thorough staging and may benefit from systemic treatments like tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Publication date:

2013

Pages:

07

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Scar revision for incompletely or narrowly excised soft tissue sarcomas in dogs

Janet A. Grimes (et al)

The Canadian Veterinary Journal (CVJ)

Janet A. Grimes (et al)

Scar revision for incompletely or narrowly excised soft tissue sarcomas in dogs

Synopsis

This study shows that scar revision for canine soft tissue sarcomas with inadequate margins is highly effective, resulting in a local recurrence rate of only 3.0% and providing durable tumor remission.

Publication date:

01/2023

Pages:

06

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